Recent Honors Underscore University’s Competitive Edge in Cultivating Professionals Whose Expertise Influences Technology, Business, and Cultural Scholarship
BALTIMORE — Morgan State University is increasingly being recognized as a national leader in cultivating a faculty and staff dedicated to driving innovation, shaping industries, and advancing cultural scholarship. Recent accolades serve to underline this point, particularly with the recognition of Dr. Timothy C. Summers as one of the world’s foremost technology leaders, Dr. Dina El Mahdy’s prestigious honor for her groundbreaking work in accounting education, and Dr. Edwin T. Johnson’s appointment to lead a pivotal cultural institution in Baltimore. These achievements showcase Morgan’s commitment to being a hub of thought leadership, where impact extends far beyond its campus.
“The success our University enjoys is matched only by that of the people behind it, and we are intentional about cultivating professionals whose scholarship and leadership resonate far beyond our campus,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan. “The achievements of Drs. Summers, El Mahdy, and Johnson exemplify the caliber of innovation, excellence, and service that define this University. Their distinction on global, national, and community stages affirms Morgan’s role as a competitive force in higher education and a vital contributor to the progress of society.”
Dr. Timothy C. Summers has garnered significant recognition as part of the World CIO 200 leaders and recently achieved the status of a Global Champion 2025. This honor pays tribute to senior executives who are at the forefront of driving digital transformation on a global scale. Dr. Summers’ recognition came at the CIO 200 Summit in Egypt, where his leadership in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, innovation strategy, and executive management was celebrated. His recent appointment as chief information officer for Morgan State University is indicative of his leadership in technological advancement, aimed at bolstering cybersecurity, modernizing digital infrastructure, and fostering innovation.
The Deloitte Foundation is well-known for its support of university faculty through various awards and fellowships, including the prestigious AAA/J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize, which honors excellence in the field of accounting education. Recently, Dr. Dina El Mahdy, a Professor of Accounting at Morgan’s Graves School of Business and Management, received the highly sought-after Deloitte Teaching Award. This accolade, determined by peer recognition, celebrates Dr. El Mahdy’s innovative integration of data analytics into her teaching methodology.
Dr. El Mahdy’s recognition not only highlights her commitment to equipping students with essential analytical skills necessary in today’s business environment, but it also elevates Morgan’s profile as a premier institution for forward-thinking approaches in business and finance education. With the support of this award, she is poised to continue advancing data-driven methodologies in accounting, furthering the academic pedigree of the University.
Simultaneously, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the oldest and largest historical society dedicated to promoting African American history, appointed Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, Morgan’s special assistant to the provost and university historian, as president of its Roland McConnell Branch in Baltimore. Named after a former Morgan State educator, this branch aims to preserve, document, and promote African American history and culture.
Dr. Johnson’s new leadership role at ASALH emphasizes Morgan’s significant influence in advancing scholarship and community engagement related to heritage, identity, and equity. His initiatives will not only enhance understanding of African American history but will also foster community involvement, showcasing Morgan’s broader commitment to social justice and cultural scholarship.
Taken collectively, these achievements illustrate how Morgan State University continues to set itself apart among peer institutions by nurturing professionals whose expertise transcends traditional boundaries—spanning technology, business, and the humanities. By championing global innovation, redefining educational paradigms, and fostering cultural leadership, Morgan’s trailblazers are setting exemplary standards that position the University as a dynamic player in the landscape of higher education—one whose impact reverberates locally, nationally, and beyond.